1. Romance
2. Conflict
3. Romantic Interlude
4. Misunderstanding
5. Romantic Interlude
6. Resolution and forgiveness
7. Romantic Interlude
8. Happily Ever After
That about sums up every romance I've ever read, regardless of genre. So, here is my question. What is your favorite part of a romance novel? I have a few favorite authors that I go to for certain types of entertainment to accompany my Romance.
Stephanie Laurens - 1st Lady of Drama & Suspense
Sabrina Jefferies - Mistress of Intrigue and Hilarity
Nora Roberts - Queen of Mystery
I could go on but think I've made my point. Notice a pattern yet? My favorite romance writers all have a sub-plot. As a reader I need a bit more entertainment than the 'he loves me, he loves me not' merry-go-round. Anyone else share my complexity out there?
Now, don't get me wrong. Sometimes I want to put on the swimsuit, pick up a book, then lounge in my backyard carefree for an hour or so before I'm thrown back into the chaos of my life. Those times, though few and far in between, I do want a quick read. But, by and large, I prefer to be invested in the main characters of any novel I read. I want to feel their need for each other grow as much as I want to solve the mystery.
This is a personal preference, of that I am aware. I'm just wondering if I'm as much in the minority as I feel. I'm not saying I don't love reading through the sensual scenes, but I don't always want an entire book of them. See list of favorite authors above as proof.
So, sound off. What is your favorite part of a Romance? Pet peeves??? General thoughts?
Judging from the number of paranormal books being published - and read - right now, I actually think you are in the majority. And I stand right beside you in the crowd. Plus, does anyone remember before the big Paranormal thing, there was the big Woman in Danger thing? Same stuff - replace the vampires with a mystery and there you go.
ReplyDeleteDon't get me wrong, I love a straight romance if it's written well. LaVyrle Spencer is still one of my favorite authors and I re-read her books again and again. Unfortunately, it's harder to find these books amid the current trends.
But, really, give me a sexy, dangerous hero any day of the week. All you vampires, werewolves and the like....the line forms here ;)
Some people are just looking for erotic books filled with sex. Most avid readers of romance novels will tell you that it isn't all about the sex scenes it is more about the characters and the journey. That's what they say anyway...
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